Arizona breaks excessive heat record, could beat more by this weekend
As heat conditions intensify in Arizona, the current heat wave has broken multiple records and threatens to break several more this week, according to the National Weather Service in Phoenix.
"It's going to be very dangerous out there for everyone. There will be extreme heat risk out there, so please make sure to stay cool and hydrated," meteorologist Isaac Smith with the National Weather Service in Phoenix, said to The Arizona Republic.
On Saturday, the Phoenix-area broke the record for the most days under an excessive heat warning, which started on July 1 and will be in place through July 17. According to Smith, the number of days of the current warning nearly doubles Phoenix's past record, which was eight days.
On Monday, Tucson also broke that record by a few hours, with an excessive heat warning that lasted close to seven days — six days, 16 hours — from July 2 through July 9. The past record was set in August 2020 with a warning that impacted the area for six days and 10 hours.
Phoenix will likely break or tie more records by this weekend, including the largest stretch of consecutive days with temperatures of 110 degrees or above, and the highest temperatures registered for this weekend's dates.
According to Smith, the city's record for consecutive temperatures of 110 degrees or above is 18 days, set in 1974. Monday marked the 11th consecutive day that hit 110 degrees or above recorded at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Temperatures are forecast to stay at or above that mark for the rest of the week into next week, threatening to beat the record, Smith said.
Worst heat wave ever in Phoenix? What to know about the current hot streak
The city could also beat record highs starting Thursday, with temperatures expected to climb to 115 degrees. The record high for that date is 114, Smith said. Highs for Saturday and Sunday are also forecast to tie records with both days expected to go up to 117 degrees.
"Pretty much each day through next month will be within record territory," Smith said.
Temperatures into next week could get even hotter, with major to extreme heat risk expected for most of Arizona, according to the weather service.
Hot weather tips
The Arizona Department of Health Services provided tips to prevent heat-related illness:
Drink water: It is recommended to drink at least 2 liters of water per day if people are staying inside all day. Those who spend time outdoors should drink 1 to 2 liters per hour they are outside.
Dress for the heat: Wear light-weight and light-colored clothing. Sunscreen should always be applied to exposed skin and it is recommended to wear a hat or use an umbrella when outdoors.
Eat small meals and eat more often: Officials recommend avoiding foods high in protein that increase metabolic heat.
Monitor those at risk: Check on friends, family or others for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Slow down and avoid strenuous activity: It is recommended to only do strenuous activity during the coolest hours of the day, between 4 and 7 a.m.
Stay indoors.
Take breaks when engaged in physical activity: Take a break in a cool place when doing activity outside on a hot day.
Chance of a blackout? Temperature and power use records could topple, but utilities say they are prepared
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona breaks excessive heat record, could beat more by this weekend